Curcuma longa aqueous extract: A potential solution for the prevention of corneal scarring as a result of pterygium surgical excision (Review).

Abstract

Curcumin has been used since ancient times as a treatment for a wide range of pathologies. For centuries, it has been considered to be an effective aid for common human diseases. Curcuma longa has been reported to possess various beneficial properties and actions, including anti‑inflammatory, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic and cortisone‑like actions. Pterygium is a degenerative disorder of the conjunctiva indicative of a strong inflammatory condition that requires surgical treatment, which often results in disfiguring sclerocorneal scars. The delay in the healing of superficial corneal wounds caused by topical administration of light‑cortisone results in improved restoration of corneal functions and anatomy compared with physiological healing processes. The present review is focused on the medicinal properties of curcumin, the main component of Curcuma longa extract, in particular its strong cortisone‑like effect, and its potential use for the prevention and treatment of sclerocorneal scars resulting from pterygium surgical excision.

• Authors: Gianmarco Stati, Silvia Sancilio, Mariangela Basile, Antonio Angelini, Roberta Di Pietro
• Journal: International journal of molecular medicine (Int J Mol Med) Vol. 46 Issue 6 Pg. 1951-1957 (Dec 2020) ISSN: 1791-244X [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 33125502 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Plant Extracts
• turmeric extract
• Cortisone

Topics

• Animals
• Cicatrix (drug therapy, etiology)
• Corneal Injuries (drug therapy, etiology)
• Cortisone (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Curcuma (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Plant Extracts (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Pterygium (complications, surgery)
• Wound Healing (drug effects)